Controls and controllers for air mattress systems

ABSTRACT

A display for displaying the condition of an air mattress. The display comprises a plurality of arrays of elements organized in a hierarchy. Each element represents a pressure increment. Each array comprises a plurality of rows and a plurality columns. The elements in each row of an array being distinctive in appearance from the elements in the other rows of the array. A control that operates the elements to indicate the pressure beginning with the first column, of the first row, of the lowest array in the hierarchy.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/252,635, filed Apr. 14, 2014, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/037,070, filed Sep. 25, 2013, the entiredisclosures are the applications are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to air mattresses, and in particular tocontrols for, and controllers for, air mattress systems.

BACKGROUND

This section provides background information related to the presentdisclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

Air cushions, such as air mattresses, are increasingly popular becausethey are light weight and comfortable, and easy to adjust by adjustingthe internal pressure. However, while the pressure is easy to control byadding and subtracting air, it is often difficult for users tounderstand how a particular level of pressure relates to the comfort or“feel” of the mattress.

SUMMARY

This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not acomprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

Embodiments of the present invention provide improved displays forcontrollers for operating an air mattress system, improved controllerfor operating an air matter system, and improve controls for airmattress systems.

A preferred embodiment of a display according to the principles of thisinvention comprises a plurality of arrays of elements organized in ahierarchy. Each of the elements represents a pressure increment. Eacharray comprises a plurality of rows of a plurality of elements,preferably arranged in columns. The elements in each array arepreferably distinctive in appearance from the elements in the otherarrays, and more preferably the elements in each row of an array aredistinctive in appearance from the elements in the other rows of thearray. A control operates the elements to indicate the pressure byactivating the unactivated element in the lowest row of the lowestarray, and deactivating the activated element in the highest row of thehighest array.

The display preferably further comprises a pressure display thatdisplays a numerical value corresponding to the value displayed by theelements. The elements of each array preferably have a unique color, andthe numerical value is displayed in the same color as the highest arrayin the hierarchy which has an activated element.

The display preferably also includes a level display that displays analphanumeric character corresponding to the highest array in thehierarchy which has an activated element, and this value is preferablydisplayed in the same color as the highest array in the hierarchy whichhas an activated element.

Each of the arrays of the display is preferably assigned a descriptivename, and the display preferably includes a name display showingdisplays the descriptive name corresponding to the highest array in thehierarchy which has an activated element, and this name is preferablydisplayed in the same color as the highest array in the hierarchy whichhas an activated element.

In the preferred embodiment there are four arrays, of twenty-fiveelements each. Each array is preferable arranged in five rows of fivecolumns. The color of the elements in each successive row of an array ismore intense than the previous row.

According to other embodiments, a controller is provided for controllingthe pressure in an air cushion, such as an air mattress. The preferredembodiment of this controller preferably comprises a plurality ofcontrols for operating a pressure system to change the pressure in theair mattress, and at least one display in accordance with this disclose.

The controller can be adapted for controlling the pressure in each ofthe chambers of a multi-chamber air mattress. The controller preferablycomprises at least one control for operating a pressure system to changethe pressure in each of the chambers of the multi-chamber air mattress,and a display in accordance with this disclosure for each of thechambers of the multi-chamber.

In an alternate embodiment, the controller can comprise a selector forselecting one of the chambers of the multi-chamber air mattress tocontrol, controls for operating a pressure system to change the pressurethe selected chamber of the multi-chamber air mattress, and a display inaccordance with this disclosure.

According to still other embodiments, a control is provided foroperating the air pump in an air mattress system to provide greaterfunctionality and or ease of use.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the descriptionprovided herein. The description and specific examples in this summaryare intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended tolimit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only ofselected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are notintended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a display in accordance with a firstpreferred embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a display in accordance with a thefirst preferred embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of a display in accordance with asecond preferred embodiment of this present invention;

FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of a first embodiment of a controllerincorporating a display in accordance with the principles of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of the controller incorporating adisplay in accordance with the principles of this invention;

FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of the controller incorporating adisplay in accordance with the principles of this invention;

FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of the controller incorporating adisplay in accordance with the principles of this invention;

FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of a second embodiment of a controllerincorporating a display in accordance with the principles of the presentinvention;

FIG. 9A-9D are flow charts of the logic for the pressure sampling by thesensors for use with the displays and controllers of the variousembodiments of this invention;

FIG. 10 is a flow chart of the logic for determining when someone getsinto or out of the bed for use with the displays and controllers of thevarious embodiments of this invention;

FIG. 11 is a flow chart of the logic for determining when someone is onthe bed for use with the displays and controllers of the variousembodiments of this invention;

FIG. 12 is a flow chart of the logic for determining when movementoccurs on the bed for use with the displays and controllers of thevarious embodiments of this invention;

FIG. 13 is a flow chart of the logic for recording movement on the bedfor use with the displays and controllers of the various embodiments ofthis invention;

FIG. 14 is a flow chart of the logic for determining a recommendedsupport index for use with the displays and controllers of the variousembodiments of this invention;

FIG. 15 is a flow chart of the logic for determining the comfort indexfor use with the displays and controllers of the various embodiments ofthis invention

FIGS. 16A-B are flow charts of the logic for operating the light buttonon some controllers of the various embodiments of this invention;

FIG. 17 is a flow chart of the movement recall function for use with thedisplays and controllers of the various embodiments of this invention;

FIGS. 18A-B are a flow chart of the logic for operating the comfortindex button on some controllers of the various embodiments of thisinvention;

FIGS. 19A-C are a flow chart of the logic for operating the idealsupport index button on some controllers of the various embodiments ofthis invention;

FIG. 20 is a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a pumpand control unit for an air mattress in accordance with the principlesof this invention;

FIG. 21 is a rear perspective view of the pump and control unit for anair mattress;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view from below of the pump and control unitfor an air mattress, with the base removed;

FIG. 23 is a top plan view of a preferred embodiment of a controller foroperating a pump and control unit for single chamber air mattress;

FIG. 24 is a top plan view of a preferred embodiment of a controller foroperating a pump and control unit for multiple chamber air mattress;

FIG. 25 is a flow chart of one possible method implemented by a controlfor monitoring pressure in an air mattress system; and

FIG. 26 is a graph showing a possible relationship between thedefinition of movement, and SI and CI settings.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughoutthe several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference tothe accompanying drawings.

A first preferred embodiment of a display for use with air cushions,such as air mattresses, in accordance with the principles of the presentinvention is indicated generally as 20 in FIGS. 1 and 2.

The display 20 comprises a plurality of arrays 22 of elements 24organized in a hierarchy. In this preferred embodiment there are fourarrays 22A, 22B, 22C, and 22D, but there could be fewer or more arrays.Each of the arrays 22 is a different color, for example the elements 24in array 22A can be dark blue, the elements in array 22B can be green,the elements in array 22C can be purple, and the elements in array 22Dcan be light blue. Of course the arrays could be other colors, or allthe arrays could be the same color. For example each array could bedifferent shade of the same color, corresponding in color intensity (orother property) to the increase in pressure. Each of the elements 24represents a pressure increment. The elements 24 preferably eachindicate the same pressure increment, but could represent differentpressure increments. For example, the value of an element could dependupon its location.

Each array 22 preferably comprises a plurality of rows 26 of a pluralityof columns 28 of elements. In this preferred embodiment, each arraycomprises five rows 26 of five columns 28, for a total of 25, but therecould be some other number of elements in the array, and/or some othernumber of rows and/or columns.

The elements 24 in each row 26 of an array 22 are preferably distinctivein appearance from the elements in the other rows of the array. Forexample, the elements 24 of each row could have a different intensity, adifferent shade, tint, tone, hue, or chroma. A control (not shown)operates the elements 24 to indicate the pressure beginning with thefirst column, of the first row, of the lowest array in the hierarchy.When the pressure increases, the next element 24 is activated, i.e., theelement in the next column of current row, or when the current row iscompleted, the first column of the next row, or when all the rows arecompleted, the first column of the first row of the next array, isactivated. Similarly, when the pressure decreases, the last element 24that was activated, i.e., the activated element in the highest (in rank)column, of the highest (in rank) row, of the highest (in rank) array, isdeactivated.

The display 20 preferably further comprises an indicator 30 thatdisplays a numerical value corresponding to the value being displayed bythe elements 24. This numerical value can correspond to the total numberof elements that are actuated but preferably is the total number ofelements that are actuated in the highest array in the hierarchy whichhas an actuated element. Where each array 22 preferably has a uniquecolor, the numerical value is preferably displayed on the indicator 30in the same color as the highest array in the hierarchy which has anactivated element.

The display 20 preferably also includes an indicator (not shown) thatdisplays an alphanumeric character corresponding to the highest array inthe hierarchy which has an activated element. This value is preferablydisplayed in the same color as the highest array in the hierarchy whichhas an activated element.

Each of the arrays of the display is preferably assigned a descriptivename, and the display 20 preferably includes an indicator 34 thatdisplays the descriptive name corresponding to the highest array in thehierarchy which has an activated element, and this name is preferablydisplayed in the same color as the highest array in the hierarchy whichhas an activated element. In this preferred embodiment the arrays 22 canhave the associated descriptive name “plush” for array 22A, “mediumplush” for array 22B, “medium firm” for array 22C, and “firm” for array22D. Of course fewer, additional, or different names could be used.

The display 20 shown in FIG. 1 has all the elements in array 22Aactivated, and 18 of the elements in array 22B activated. Consequently,the indicator 34 has the name “medium plush” displayed in the colorassociated with array 22B, and indicator 30 has the number 18 displayedin the color associated with array 22B. Labels 36 can be provided toadvise the user of the total number of indicators in each array, toprovide a context for the number displayed by indicator 30.

The display 20 shown in FIG. 2 has all the elements in arrays 22A, 22B,22C, and 22D activated. Consequently, the indicator 34 has the name“firm” displayed in the color associated with array 22D, and indicator30 has the number 25 displayed in the color associated with array 22D.

A second embodiment of a display is indicated generally as 50 in FIG. 3.The display 50 is adapted for use with a multi-chamber air mattress. Inthis particular embodiment, the display 50 is adapted for use with amattress having a head, a lumbar, and a foot chambers (although the headand foot chambers are interconnected, and therefore have the samepressure), and has subdisplays 52, 54, and 56 each with a descriptivelabel 58, 60, and 62 identifying the chamber whose pressure is indicatedby the particular subdisplay.

Each of the subdisplays 52, 54, and 56 comprises a plurality of arrays64 of elements 66 organized in a hierarchy. In this preferred embodimenteach of the subdisplays has four arrays 64A, 64B, 64C, and 64D, butthere could be fewer or more arrays. Each of the arrays 64 is adifferent color, for example the elements 66 in array 64A can be blue,the elements in array 66B can be green, the elements in array 66C can beyellow, and the elements in array 66D can be orange. Of course thearrays could be other colors, or all the arrays could be the same color.For example each array could be different shade of the same color,corresponding in color intensity (or other property) to the increase inpressure. Each of the elements 66 represents a pressure increment. Theelements 66 preferably each indicate the same pressure increment, butcould represent different pressure increments, for example dependingupon the location of the indicator.

Each array 64 preferably comprises a plurality of rows 68 of a pluralityof columns 70 of elements 66. In this preferred embodiment, each array64 comprises five rows 68 of five columns 70, for a total of 25, butthere could be some other number of elements 66 in the array, and/orsome other number of rows and/or columns. The elements 66 in each row 68of an array 66 are preferably distinctive in appearance from theindicators in the other rows of the array. For example, the elements 66of each row could have a different intensity, a different shade, tint,tone, hue, or chroma. A control (not shown) operates the elements 66 toindicate the pressure in the subdisplays respective chamber beginningwith the first column, of the first row, of the lowest array in thehierarchy. When the pressure increases, the indicator 66 of the nextcolumn of current row, or when the row is completed, the first column ofthe next row, or when all the rows are completed, the first column ofthe first, row of the next array, is activated. Similarly, when thepressure decreases, the appropriate indicators are deactivated,beginning with the last indicator (i.e., the last activated column, ofthe last activated row, of the last activated array).

The subdisplays 52, 54, and 56, preferably further comprise an indicator72 that displays a numerical value corresponding to the value beingdisplayed by the elements 66. Where each array 64 preferably has aunique color, the numerical value is displayed on the indicator 72 inthe same color as the highest array in the hierarchy which has anactivated element.

The display 50 preferably also includes an indicator 74 that displays analphanumeric character corresponding to the highest array in thehierarchy which has an activated element, and this value is preferablydisplayed in the same color as the highest array in the hierarchy whichhas an activated element. When multiple chambers are present, thechambers are preferably automatically controlled so that all of thechambers pressures are in the range indicated by the same array in eachof the subdisplays. This means that a single indicator 74 can display analphanumeric character corresponding to the highest array in thehierarchy which has an activated element. In other embodiments where thepressures among the chambers are not so controlled, multiple indicators74 can be provided, one for each of the subdisplays 52, 54, and 56.

Each of the arrays 68 of the subdisplays 53, 54, and 56 is preferablyassigned a descriptive name, and the display 50 includes an indicator 76that displays the descriptive name corresponding to the highest array inthe hierarchy which has an activated element, and this name ispreferably displayed in the same color as the highest array in thehierarchy which has an activated element. In this preferred embodimentthe arrays 64 can have the associated descriptive name “plush” for array64A, “medium plush” for array 64B, “medium firm” for array 64C, and“firm” for array 64D. Of course fewer, additional, or different namescould be used.

As described above when multiple chambers are present the chambers arepreferably automatically controlled so that all of the chambers'pressures are in the range indicated by the same array in each of thesubdisplays. This means that a single indicator 76 can display the namecorresponding to the highest array in the hierarchy which has anactivated element. In other embodiments where the pressures among thechambers are not so controlled, multiple indicators 76 can be provided,one for each of the subdisplays 52, 54, and 56.

The subdisplays 52 and 56 shown in FIG. 3 have 18 elements 66 in array64A activated. Consequently, the indicator 76 has the name “plush”displayed in the color associated with array 64A, and indicator 72 hasthe number 18 displayed in the color associated with array 64A. Labels78 can be provided to advise the user of the total number of elements ineach array, providing contact for the number shown by indicator 72. Thesubdisplay 54 shown in FIG. 3 has 24 of the elements in array 64Aactivated. Consequently, the indicator 72 has the number 24 displayed inthe color associated with the array 64A.

According to another embodiment, a controller according to a firstpreferred embodiment, indicated generally as 100, is provided forcontrolling the pressure in an air cushion, such as an air mattress, forexample by operating a control associated with one or more air pumps.The preferred embodiment of this controller 100 (shown in FIGS. 4-7)preferably comprises a plurality of controls 102 for operating apressure system (including a pump and a control) to change the pressurein the air mattress, and at least one display 104 in accordance withthis disclosure.

The controller 100 can be adapted for controlling the pressure in eachof the chambers of a multi-chamber air mattress, for example a mattresshaving a head, a lumbar, and a foot chambers (although the head and footchambers are typically interconnected, and therefore have the samepressure). The controller 100 preferably has controls for operating apressure system (such as an air pump that pumps air into or out of thechamber), and may include buttons 106 and 108 for increasing anddecreasing the pressure in the head and foot chambers, and buttons 110and 112 for increasing and decreasing the pressure in the lumbarchamber. The controller can include other controls for example anauto-fill button 114 that operates the pressure system to fill thechambers to a either a predetermined factory setting, or a previouslystored user setting. The controller can also include a memory button 116that saves the current user determined settings, so that pressing theauto-fill button 114 automatically restores the mattress to previouslysaved user setting. Of course additional or different controls could beprovided in the controller 100 if desired. For example a single set ofpressure increase and decrease buttons could be provided, and a selectorcontrol that allows the user to select the chamber to be controlled bythe single set of pressure increase and decrease buttons.

As the pressure in the chambers is changed, the display 104, which ispreferably constructed according to the principles of this invention,for example display 50, is updated. The display 50 provides detailedfeedback information to the user so that the user can better control thepressure in the chambers for maximum comfort. The display 50 provides anumerical display of the current pressure in each chamber thoughindicators 72, which display a numerical value for the current region orcomfort index. The display 50 also provides a graphical display of thetotal current pressure in each chamber (through the arrays 64 ofelements 66) so that the users can better visualize the pressure valueand better visually interpret the pressure differences between thechambers. The display 50 also displays both a numerical and verbal cueto the level of firmness corresponding to the current pressure, throughindicators 74 and 76 and a visual cue through the color coordination ofthe indicators 72, 74, and 76.

The controller 100 can be implemented as a wired device connected to thepressure system via a wire (not shown). Alternatively, the controller100 can be implemented as a wireless device, with the controllerwireless connected to the pressure system, for example by a Bluetooth,Wi-Fi, ZigBee, x10, Z-Wave, radio frequency (RF), infrared or otherwireless connection. The controller may even be implemented as a program(app) running on a smart phone or a tablet. In the case of a smart phoneor tablet, the controls may be virtual buttons, sliders, or other typesof control elements displayed on the screen of the device, which can beoperated by the user. Similarly the display portion 50 of the controller100 can be implemented by a plurality of lit, partially lit, or unlitareas on the screen of the device. Unactivated elements may becompletely blank or they may be outlined or partially lit to give theuser a sense of how many elements are activated and how many elementsare not activated.

According to another embodiment, a controller according to a secondpreferred embodiment, indicated generally as 200, is provided forcontrolling the pressure in an air cushion, such as an air mattress. Thepreferred embodiment of this controller 200 (shown in FIG. 8) preferablycomprises a plurality of controls 202 for operating a pressure system tochange the pressure in the air mattress, and at least one display 204 inaccordance with this disclosure.

The controller 200 can be adapted for controlling the pressure in eachof the chambers of a multi-chamber air mattress, for example a mattresshaving a head, a lumbar, and a foot chambers (although the head and footchambers are typically interconnected, and therefore have the samepressure). The controller 200 preferably has controls 202 for operatinga pressure system (such as an air pump in an pump and control unit thatpumps air into or out of the chamber), and may include buttons 206 and208 for increasing and decreasing the pressure in the head and footchambers, and buttons 210 and 212 for increasing and decreasing thepressure in the lumbar chamber. The controller can include othercontrols for example an auto-fill button 214 that operates the pressuresystem to fill the chambers to a either a predetermined factory setting,or a previously stored user setting. The controller can also include amemory button 216 that saves the current user determined settings, sothat pressing the auto-fill button 214 automatically restores themattress to previously saved user setting.

Of course additional or different controls could be provided on thecontroller 200 if desired. For example a single set of pressure increaseand decrease buttons could be provided, and a selector control thatallows the user to select the chamber to be controlled by the single setof pressure increase and decrease buttons.

Alternatively or in addition a light control button 218 can be providedfor controlling a light (on the controller 200 or elsewhere). The button218 operates a control whose logic is set forth in FIGS. 16A and 16B,and described in detail below. The light control button 218 is pressedto turn the light function on or off. When the light function is on, anLED light associated with the mattress (e.g., with a pump and controlunit controlling the pressure) is activated whenever the sensed pressurein the mattress is reduced to a level that indicates that a person hasexited the mattress. The light stays on for a predetermined period,e.g., 10 minutes, or until the pressure sensor recognizes that theperson has returned to the mattress or when the light control button 218is operated again.

If the light associated with the mattress is off, then pressing thelight control button 218 will turn it ON. If the light associated withthe mattress is on, then pressing the light control button 218 will turnit off.

When a pressure sensor associated with the mattress recognizes asignificant decrease in pressure (e.g., when an individual gets out ofbed), the light will turn on automatically. A “significant decrease” maybe calculated by a predetermined reduction (e.g., of at least 20%) ofthe pressure (regardless of the particular pressure reading at the time)and that reduction is maintained for a predetermined minimum period(e.g., 2 seconds).

When a mattress pressure sensor recognizes a “significant” increase inpressure (e.g., when an individual gets of back into bed), the lightwill turn off automatically. A “significant increase” may be determinedby an increase of a predetermined about (e.g., at least 20%) of thepressure (regardless of the particular pressure reading at the time),and that increase is maintained for a predetermined minimum (e.g., 2seconds).

The automatic light feature preferably can be deactivated, for exampleif the light control button is pressed for a predetermined period, e.g.3 seconds or more, and the automatic pressure sensing function isdeactivated or ignored. In this mode, the only way to turn the light onor off would be to press the button (preferably for less than 3 seconds,because holding the button for 3 seconds would preferably toggle on thepressure sensing feature. The air pump preferably includes a controlwith software activated to sense the pressure change to engage ordisengage the light. Whether the automatic pressure sensing feature isengaged can be indicated by an indicator, e.g. indicator 219 on thedisplay 204.

The controller 200 can also include a movement recall button 220, thatoperates a control whose logic is set forth in FIG. 17, and described indetail below. When the user wakes up in the morning, the user can pressthe movement recall button 220, and the display 204 will display thenumber of movements recorded over a predetermined period of time (e.g.,10 hours). The number of defined movements recorded over the previouspredetermined period of time can be displayed for example in a blinkingmode for, for example 10 seconds, in the Support Index number area 274.This will temporarily replace the Support Index number (which can bedistinguished because it is in a different color and/or because it doesnot blink). Alternatively it can be displayed in a separate location.When the movement recall number stops blinking the previous SupportIndex number will reappear (without blinking) and go to sleep after apredetermined period, e.g. 180 seconds. If any other button is pressedwhen the movement recall digits are blinking then the movement routinewill stop and the new routine (e.g., the auto fill, memory etc.) willengage.

The controller 200 can also include a Comfort Index button 222 thatoperates a control whose logic is set forth in FIGS. 18A and 18B, anddescribed in detail below. The Comfort Index button 222 establishes theweight and weight distribution of the individual as well as arecommended mode of operation, e,g., a pressure category as expressed ina numerical index. This Comfort Index indicates the appropriate range ofrecommended support index numbers that would be appropriate for thatindividual's body profile. An individual's height and weight ratiodetermines the pressure they will exert on the air mattress which istranslated by the pressure sensor(s) to one of 4 categories. Once anindividual's Comfort Index is established, it may be used as a modifierwith the software function that determines/defines a movement. Forexample, a person that is 5′ 2″ weighing 100 lbs. might register as aComfort Index of 1. A person of this body profile may only register avery small pressure percentage change when making a movement at thehigher mattress pressure levels compared to a person that is 5′ 2″weighing 250 lbs. For example, if the air mattress pressure was 0.48 andan individual with a Comfort Index of 1 turned from their back to theirside, it may only affect the pressure (in PSI) by 0.003, but anindividual with a Comfort Index of 4 who moves from their back to theirside may affect the pressure (in PSI) by 0.01. The software running onthe control can adjust the operation of the various functions, includingthe motion sensing, increasing sensitivity for lower Comfort Indexes anddecreasing sensitivity for higher comfort indexes. Similarly, theComfort Index numbers can be used in determining a Support Index settingthat the system would recommend for the individual to begin sleepingupon first installing the bed. This Support index can be based upon thepressure reading generated from setting the Comfort Index to apredetermined value, and then having the individual lie on the mattressand press the Comfort Index to determine a pressure reading andtranslate it into a Comfort Index value, for example 1, 2, 3 or 4. Ofcourse some other numbering or lettering scheme could be used ratherthat 1, 2, 3 or 4. For example fewer or more numbered levels could beprovided, or other labels for example “L” for low and “H” for high, orother designations of letters, numbers, symbols, or colors could beused.

With no one lying on the mattress, the user can press the Comfort Indexbutton 222. The control will cause the mattress to inflate to apredetermined pressure. The user then lies on the mattress, and thechange of pressure can be measured. A signal, such as a blinkingdisplay, can indicate when the measurement process is taking place. Thedetermined pressure differential can be used to determine a ComfortIndex number (i.e., 1,2,3,4) and display that number and the word“Comfort Index” at the top of the LCD hand control area.

For example if a Comfort Index 1 was indicated, the Support Indexindicator would blink, (e.g., for 10 seconds) the specific number, forexample 20, associated with the pressure reading which would correspondto a Support Index (pressure reading) of 1 to 35=Comfort Index 1. IfComfort Index 2 was indicated, the Support Index indicator would blink55 for 10 seconds, the specific number associated with the pressurereading which would correspond to a Support Index (pressure reading) of35 to 55=Comfort Index 2. If Comfort Index 3 was indicated, the SupportIndex indicator would blink, for example 70, for 10 seconds the specificnumber associated with the pressure reading which would correspond to aSupport Index (pressure reading) of 56 to 75=Comfort Index 3. If ComfortIndex 4 was indicated, the Support Index indicator would blink, forexample 85, for 10 seconds, the specific number associated with thepressure reading which would correspond to a Support Index (pressurereading) of 76 to 100=Comfort Index 4

The controller 220 can also include an Ideal Support Index button 224that operates a control whose logic is set forth in FIGS. 19A, 19B, and19C, and described in detail below. The Ideal Support Index button ispressed occasionally to determine what the recommended Support Indexshould be based upon the number of defined movements that have beenrecorded at various different Support Index settings. For example if thehistory showed the following defined movements at the associated SupportIndex settings a setting of 65 would be recommended as this supportlevel resulted in the fewest number of defined movements. Therecommended Support Index is only one possible recommended mode ofoperation.

Average Defined movements over a 10 hour Support Index setting period 5582 65 48 75 63

When the Ideal Support Index button is pressed, the control can use someor all of the available information to determine which Support Indexnumbers were associated with the lowest number of movements. Based uponthis determination, the specific recommended Support Index number isdisplayed in the Support Index area of the display 204.

The recommended SI number can blink for a predetermined period (e.g., 10seconds), then return to the current SI number. Of course a differentcolor or some other visual cue (instead of or in addition to blinking)can be used to differentiate the recommended number from the currentnumber. The air pump can be provided with a control that is programmedimplement the Ideal Support Index Function. When the Ideal Support Indexbutton is pressed for more than a predetermined time (e.g., 3 seconds)it disengages the automatic recognition function and engages the “manualmode” of movement recognition. This is done to eliminate anynon-sleeping movements that may occur prior to going to sleep (watchingTV in bed, working on the computer in bed etc.). The individual pressesthe Ideal Support Index button for more than 3 seconds to engage the“manual mode” of movement recognition. They fall asleep for theirnight's sleep and when they wake up they press the manual mode for 3 ormore seconds which preferably does two things: first it disengages themanual mode and engages the auto mode of movement recall, and second, itdefines the period for when the individual was in bed and asleep.

If the Movement Recall button is pressed within 5 minutes of a secondlong press on the Support Index button, then only the movements recordedbetween the last two “long” presses of the Support Index button areindicated on the Movement Recall button.

The hand controls of the various embodiments may be wired or wireless.The hand control (or alternatively the pump control) may contain a CPUand RAM storage for the data accumulated (time and dates for each“activity”, movements associated with each Support Index number, amountof time the individual slept, when the individual entered or exited themattress, the amount of time spent snoring (if a sound detector isprovided), time and direction of each adjustable base movement (if themattress is on a movable base), the time the individual went to bed eachnight, the time the individual woke up each morning, the time restlessleg syndrome began and ended, respiration rate (if appropriate sensorsare provided), temperature every quarter hour (if a temperature sensoris provided), and mattress humidity (if a moisture or humidity sensor isprovided).

In the preferred embodiments, the data storage would be contained withinthe hand controller. Removable memory such as USB device or an SD ormicro SD card would allow the data to be transferred to a computer. Evenif the hand controller was connected to the pump housing via a wire, itcould be disengaged from the wire and carried easily to a computer. Thehand controller can be provided with a USB port so that it could beconnected to a computer (such as a laptop, tablet or Desktop). The datacould be downloaded into the computer and formatted into a template foreasier reading by the user. Alternatively the information could betransmitted (wirelessly or through the internet) to a support servicethat would format the data into a readable template, interpret the data(either automated using a computer, or manually), and contact the user(via phone, internet, etc.) to discuss the findings and assist the userto understand the results and how they reflect the quality (or lack ofquality) sleep they recorded.

The type of information they would convey would include but not limitedto the following: the number of hours of sleep each night for the last30 days (time period may vary depending on the parameters set); averagenumber of hours of sleep for the last 30 days; the total hours ofsnoring each night and the average for the last 30 days; the total hoursof restless leg syndrome and the average for the last 30 days; the timeit took to fall asleep each night and the average for the last 30 days;the total number of times the individual left the bed during the night(e.g., to go to the bathroom); the length of time away from the mattressand the amount of time it took to fall back asleep. These could be alsoexpressed as averages per night.

The total number of sleep hours at various Support Index levels, thetotal number of movements at each of those Support Index levels, theaverage number of movements per hour at each Support Index level, canall be tracked and some or all of this data can be used to make arecommended Support Index, based on minimizing one of more of thesemeasures, and/or based on some weighting factor or factors.

The amount of Alpha, Beta, Theta and Delta sleep obtained each night andan average for the period can be estimated based upon the historicalscientific data on the length of the sleep stages based uponuninterrupted and interrupted sleep cycles.

Where temperature sensors are provided, bed temperature at regularperiods (e.g., for each quarter hour) each night the individual slept onthe mattress can be recorded. The number of movements per hour pertemperature could then be calculated, to determine the individual'soptimum sleeping temperature.

A photo sensor could also be added to the hand control to determine theambient light level (e.g., in lumens) in the room. It is a popularhypothesis that higher lumen levels will cause an individual to wake up.The number of movements could also be tracked based on the lumen levels.It could then be determined if the lumen levels impact the quality ofsleep as determined by the average number of movements per lumen level.

Based upon the data collected and analyzed, various recommendationscould be communicated to the user. This communication could be done viathe hand control based upon a wireless transmission from a cloud server.It could also be communicated via a telephone conversation to translatethe results to the user. It could also be communicated via email with aspreadsheet showing all the data on a daily basis, the cumulativeaverages and the recommendations. The recommendations may include butare not limited to the following:

Sleep Temperature

Studies show that movements increase and sleep quality decreases whenskin temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, so recommendations ofone or more of the following could be provided: increase or decrease thetemperature of the room; addition or subtraction a heating blanket;addition a mattress pad; change the pillow (assuming that may have animpact of the sleeping temperature of the individual) to one that hasheat absorbing/dispersing capabilities; a change of mattress or bedding(e.g., one with phase change technology (for example usingmicro-capsules containing paraffin embedded in the fabric. These willliquefy when subjected to sustained heat (e.g., from the sleeper's body,absorbing the heat.

The hand controller could also be provided with the ability to send asignal to turn on a ceiling fan or to engage the HVAC system in thehouse to lower or increase the temperature in the bedroom.

Snoring

If snoring or stilted breathing is detected, the system could recommendan adjustable base to adjust the level of the mattress to increase airflow while breathing.

Based upon the intensity, duration, number of movements per night,referral to a sleep clinic or doctor to review if a CPAP machine may beappropriate.

Sleep Problems

Studies show the optimum amount of time to fall asleep is within the 10to 15 minute range. Those that fall asleep in 5 minutes or less aregenerally sleep deprived. Those that fall asleep after more than 20minutes may have other obstacles preventing them from going to sleep(too much caffeine, difficulty relaxing, pain issues etc.).

A questionnaire could also be used to gather information (via email,phone, or directly to the hand control) asking about the individual'ssleep habits/protocol/ritual/preparations/environment/exercise/diet etc.This information could reveal the cause of the difficulty in getting tosleep and/or their exhaustion level that causes them to immediately fallasleep, that could be used to make or modify recommendations resultingfrom the data collected and stored.

These variables could be input into the software system andrecommendations made to the consumer regarding potential remediationtechniques or products that can assist the individual to obtain a morerestful efficient sleep.

The system records the total amount of time spent in the bed and candifferentiate breathing during sleep vs. being awake so the total sleepobtain for each night can be verified. If the individual reaches a sleepstate too quickly, a recommendation may be to go to bed earlier and getmore hours of sleep.

The system could indicate the number of movements per hour per SupportIndex by temperature reading. Using this information the system, anoptimum temperature and Support Index setting could be recommended. Thenumber of adjustments and the degree of inclination provided by a powerbase system (if provided) are indicated by the software output. Thisinformation is also compared to the movements and snoring at eachinclination.

The data may indicate that the individual may optimize their sleep bystarting out their sleep in a particular position (e.g., a slightlyinclined position) to prevent snoring from occurring. The data may alsosuggest a change in the programing of the power base pre-set positions.The interpreted data would indicate which positions produced the fewestmovements and the least amount of snoring.

This system may also be used by a third party who would be authorized bythe user to obtain the information. For example if an adult age 50purchased the mattress system for their aging parent(s) in their 80'swho may live in another state in a retirement home or at theirresidence, it could provide valuable information about their care andwell-being. For example, if it was noted that his/her aging father wasgetting up 3 or 4 times a night for only a few minutes, (presumably togo to the bathroom) it might be recommended that he see a Urologistabout a prostate issue. Studies have also shown that dementiaand/general disorientation may linked to sleep deprivation it would beimportant to have information on how many hours/per night the individualis actually sleeping. This data may also be sent directly to thenurses/doctors of the care facility to assist in the individual's careand treatment. Chronic Sleep deprivation has been linked to many healthissues such as weight gain, memory loss, dementia, serotonin levels,depression, mood swings, and many diseases such as cancer. Monitoringand improving sleep quality can have a significant impact on ournation's health. This system is relatively inexpensive and can be usedin home or at a health institution such as a hospital or Rest Home.

An individual's weight, sleep environment, health, sleep habits,lifestyle, allergies, bedding may vary over time and be impact theindividual's quality of sleep to a greater or lesser degree. This systemcan have a long term connection to the user to communicate their currentsleep efficiency and to recommend alternatives that will assist them toimprove their sleep. The system can constantly feed information to acentral server that can process the data and provide relevant feedbackto the individual and/or provide the information to a Sleep Professionalor someone in the medical field to review the information and provideinput and recommendations to the individual. This bi-directionalfeedback system is meant to provide regular updates of the quality of anindividual's sleep and suggestions for improvement alternatives.

The logic of other functions that underlie the measuring, displaying,and adjusting of pressure are illustrated in the Figures.

Like controller 100, controller 200 can be implemented as a wired deviceconnected to the pressure system via a wire (not shown). Alternatively,the controller 200 can be implemented as a wireless device, with thecontroller wireless connected to the pressure system, for example bywith a Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, x10, Z-Wave, radio frequency (RF),infrared or other wireless connection. The controller may even beimplemented as a program (app) running on a smart phone or a tablet. Inthe case of a smart phone or tablet, the controls may be virtualbuttons, sliders, or other types of control elements displayed on thescreen of the device, which can be operated by the user. Similarly thedisplay portion 204 of the controller 200 can be implemented by aplurality of lit, partially lit, or unlit areas on the screen of thedevice. Unactivated elements may be completely blank or they may beoutlined or partially lit to give the user a sense of how many elementsare activated and how many elements are not activated.

As the pressure in the chambers is changed, the display 204, which ispreferably constructed according to the principles of this invention,for example display 50 is updated. The display 204 provides detailedfeedback information to the user so that the user can better control thepressure in the chambers for maximum comfort. The display 204 provides anumerical display of the current pressure in each chamber thoughindicators 272, which display a numerical value for the current regionor comfort index. The display 204 also provides a graphical display ofthe total current pressure in each chamber (through the arrays 264 ofelements 266) so that the users can better visualize the pressure valueand better visually interpret the pressure differences between thechambers. The display 204 also displays both a numerical and verbal cueto the level of firmness corresponding to the current pressure, throughindicators 274 and 276 and a visual cue through the color coordinationof the indicators 272, 274, and 276.

An air mattress pump and control unit in accordance with a preferredembodiment of this invention is indicated generally as 1000 in FIGS.20-22. The pump and control unit 1000 comprises a base 1002 and ahousing 1004. Although the housing 1004 could take any form, the housingis preferably smooth and rounded so that is unobtrusive, and does notpresent sharp edges to catch carpeting or bedding.

The pump and control unit 1000 preferably has a recessed rear end 1006,from which a plurality of ports 1008 extend. These ports 1008communicate with the outlet of an air pump 1010 inside the pump andcontrol unit 1000 via a valved manifold (not shown), and can beconnected to the chambers of an air mattress. As shown in FIG. 21, thereare four ports 1008, two for connecting to fluid chambers on a firstside of the air mattress, and two for connecting to a second side of theair mattress. Each side of the air mattress can therefore have at leasttwo chambers, and in the preferred embodiment at least three chambers,where two of the chambers (for example a head and a foot chamber) are influid communication.

There is preferably a recess 1012 in the side of the base 1002, in whichthere are two connector sockets 1014 (for example USB sockets) formaking a connection between a control circuit board inside the pump andcontrol unit 1000, and hand held controllers (e.g., the controllers 100or 200 described above, or the controllers 1020A or 1020B describedbelow) for operating the air mattress. Of course instead of a wiredconnection, the hand held controllers could be wirelessly connected tothe pump and control unit 1000. The recess 1010 preferably also containsa connector 1012 for connecting to a power supply to provide power tothe pump and control unit 1000.

There is preferably at least one light 1018 on the pump and control unit1000. The light can be on the exterior of the housing 1004, or in can bedisposed inside the housing, adjacent a transparent or translucentportion of the housing.

One or more controllers 1020 can be coupled to the pump and control unit1000, either by wire, for example using the sockets 1014, or wirelessly,as described above with respect to controllers 100 and 200. A firstcontrol 1020A is shown in FIG. 23. The control 1020A is adapted foroperating a mattress with a single chamber. Two such controllers 1020Awould typically be used to control double mattress (one with a singlechamber on each side), although a single control with a selector switchcould alternatively be provided. The control 1020A has a display 1022.The display 1022 includes a numerical SI indicator 1024, a graphic SIindicator 1026, and a comfort index indicator 1028. The displaypreferably also includes an ISI indicator 1030, a memory indicator 1032,a light indicator 1034, and an auto-fill indicator 1036. The control1020A also has a plurality of control buttons. The control buttons caninclude up and down buttons 1038 and 1042 for increasing and decreasingthe pressure (the Support Index), an auto-fill button 1046 (similar toauto-fill buttons 114 and 214 described above), a movement recall button1048 (similar to movement recall button 220 described above), a ComfortIndex button 1050 (similar to Comfort Index button 222 described above),an Ideal Support Index button 1052 (similar to Ideal Support Indexbutton 224 described above), a memory button 1054 (similar to memorybutton 114 and 214 described above), and a light button 1056 (similarlyto light button 218 described above).

A second controller 1020B is shown in FIG. 24, and is similar tocontroller 1020A described above. The controller 10208 is adapted for amultiple chamber air mattress (i.e., two or more chambers). Multiplechamber mattresses typically comprise three chambers, a head, a lumbar,and a foot chamber, but the head and foot chambers are typicallyconnected together. Two such controllers 1020B would typically be usedto control double mattress (one with three chambers on each chamberside), although a single control with a selector switch couldalternatively be provided. The control 1020B has a display 1022. Thedisplay 1022 includes numerical SI indicator 1024A, 1024B, and 1024C, agraphic SI indicator 1026, and a comfort index indicator 1028. Thedisplay preferably also includes an ISI indicator 1030, a memoryindicator 1032, a light indicator 1034, and an Auto-Fill indicator 1036.The control 1020A also has a plurality of control buttons. The controlbuttons can include up and down buttons 1038 and 1040 and 1042 forincreasing and decreasing the pressure (the Support Index), an auto-fillbutton 1046 (similar to auto-fill buttons 114 and 214 described above),a movement recall button 1048 (similar to movement recall button 220described above), a Comfort Index button 1050 (similar to Comfort Indexbutton 222 described above), an Ideal Support Index button 1052 (similarto Ideal Support Index button 224 described above), a memory button 1054(similar to memory button 114 and 214 described above), and a lightbutton 1056 (similarly to light button 218 described above).

The controllers 1020A, 1020B can include a removable memory device, suchas a USB device or a SD or micro SD card, or any other suitable storagedevice. This allows data collected from the use of the air mattress tobe downloaded, for processing as described above. Alternatively, oradditionally, the controls can be disconnected from the pump and controlunit 1000, and connected to a computer to download data from a memory onthe controller, for processing as described above.

One possible control algorithm for the pump and control unit 1000 isshown in FIG. 25. The pump and control unit 1000 includes a computerprocessor, memory, and other elements to execute the algorithmsdescribed, or other similar algorithms. In this preferred embodiment thepump and control unit 1000 executes a sample loop 1100 forty times persecond, a second loop 1200 every second, a minute loop 1300 everyminute, and an hour loop 1400 every hour.

One possible control logic for the sample loop 1100 is shown in FIG. 9A.At 1102 the system samples the voltage of each pressure sensor in thesystem. Typically there is a pressure sensor for each separate chamber,although a single sensor that is switched could be used. At 1104 thesystem converts the voltage values at each sensor into pressure values.At 1106 the pressure value is added to an accumulator OneSecAccum, andat 1108 the SampleCounter is incremented. At 1110, the pressure valuefor each sensor is compared with the maximum pressure value PMax. If thepressure is greater than the current PMax, then at 1112 the PMax is setto the current pressure. If the current pressure is less than PMax, thenat 1114 the current pressure is compared with the minimum pressure valuePMin. If the current pressure is less than the current PMin, then at1116 the PMin is set to the current pressure. The loop 1110 repeats 40times per second.

One possible control logic for the one second loop 1200 is shown in FIG.9B. At 1202, the control initiates a calculation of the average pressureover the last second PSecAvg using the data collected during the sampleloop 1100. At 1204, the control calculates the PSecAvg by dividing theaccumulated measurements over 40 measurements, i.e., OneSecAccum dividedby the value of the SampleCounter. At 1206, the control adds thecalculated PSecAvg to the accumulator PMinAccum, and at 1208 incrementsthe value of SecondCounter. At 1210 the OneSecAcuum value accumulated inthe sample loop 1100 is cleared, and at 1212 the SampleCounter valuetallied in the sample loop 1100 are cleared.

One possible control logic for the one minute loop 1300 is shown in FIG.9C. At 1302, once per minute the control calculates the average pressurefor each sensor. At 1304, the average is recorded as PMinAvg by dividingPMinAccum by the SecondCounter. At 1306 PMinAvg is added to theaccumulator PHourAccum, which is a running summation of all PMinAvgvalues. At 1308 the control increments the value of MinuteCounter. Alsoduring the one minute loop 1300, at 1350 the control determines whethera movement has occurred (the possible logic for this determination isshown in FIG. 10, and described above). At 1310 the control clears thePMinAccum accumulated during the one second loop. At 1312 the controlclears the PMax and PMin values recorded in the sample loop 1100. At1314 the control clears the SecondCounter accumulated in the one secondloop 1200.

One possible control logic for the one hour loop 1400 is shown in FIG.9D. At 1402 the control calculates the average pressure for each sensoronce per hour. At 1404 the average PHourAvg determined by dividing thePHourAccum by the MinuteCounter is recorded. At 1406 the control clearsthe PHourAccum value that was accumulated in the one minute loop 1300.At 1408 the MinuteCounter that was tallied in the minute loop 1300 iscleared.

As indicated in FIG. 25, the control checks whether someone has gottenon or off the mattress. One possible control logic for this is shown inFIG. 10. At 1602 the control determines whether the PMinAvg is within10% of NomON, the nominal pressure when a person is lying still on thebed. While the number 10% is used in step 1602, some other variance fromthe NomON could be used. If the PMinAvg is within 10% of NomON, then at1604 the control determines whether PSecAvg is within 10% of NomOFF, thenominal pressure when no one is lying on the bed. If the value ofPSecAvg is within 10% of NomOFF, then at 1606 the control determinesthat someone just got out of bed. At 1608 the current PMinAvg valuebecomes the new NomOFF value. If PMinAvg is not within 10% of NomON,then at 1610 the control determines whether PMinAvg is within 10% ofNomOFF. If the value of PMinAvg is within 10% of NomOFF, then at 1612the control determines whether PSecAvg is within 10% of NomON. IfPSecAvg is within 10% of NomON, then at 1614 the control determines thatsomeone just got into bed. At 1616 the current value of PMinAvg becomesthe new NomON value.

As indicated in FIG. 25, the control also checks whether someone is onthe bed at 1700 as part of the sample loop 1100. As shown in FIG. 11, at1702, the control determines whether PSecAvg is within 10% of the NomONvalue. If PSecAvg is within 10% of the NomON, then at 1704, the controldetermines that someone is on the bed. If PSecAvg is not within 10% ofthe NomON, then at 1706, the control determines that someone is not onthe bed.

As indicated in FIG. 25, at 1350, the control determines whether a userhas moved on the mattress. One possible control logic for this is shownin FIG. 12. At 1352, the control calculates the pressure change over thepast minute. At 1354, the control records DP (the pressure change) asthe difference between PMax and PMin. At 1356, the control determinesthe percent pressure change over the past minute. At 1358, the controlrecords PC (the percent change in pressure) as the pressure change PCdivided by NomON, multiplied by 100. At 1360, the control identifies thecurrent Comfort Index number CI, and the current support index numberSI.

At 1362 the control determines whether the CI is at level 3. If CI is at3, then at 1364, the control determines whether the percent pressurechange is sufficient to qualify as a movement for the given SI. If so,then at 1366 the system counts a movement. If not, then at 1368 thesystem counts a period of silence. If CI is not at 3, then at 1370 thecontrol determines whether the CI is at level 2. If so, then at 1372 thecontrol determines whether the percent pressure change is sufficient toqualify as a movement for the given SI. If so, then at 1374 the systemcounts a movement. If not, then at 1376 the system counts a period ofsilence. If the CI is not at 2, then at 1378, the control determineswhether the percent pressure change is sufficient to qualify as amovement for the given SI. If so, then at 1380 the system counts amovement. If not, then at 1382 the system counts a period of silence.

The definition of movement preferably depends on the CI (Comfort Index)value selected by the user, and the SI (support index) value selected bythe user. FIG. 26 illustrates one way the definition of “movement” canvary with Support Index and the Comfort Index. Movement can beconveniently defined as a percentage change in pressure. As shown inFIG. 26, the pressure change that constitutes movement can vary(preferably decrease) with the SI setting, for a given CI setting. Asalso shown in FIG. 26, the pressure change that constitutes movement canvary (preferably increase) with the CI setting, for a given SI setting.The relationship between the percentage pressure change that constitutesmovement and SI setting, is not necessarily linear, and can vary withthe SI setting. For example, as shown in FIG. 26, the percentagepressure change that defines movement varies linearly with SI settingfor SI settings between 30 and 50, various linearly with SI setting (butat a different rate) for SI settings between 50 and 70, and varieslinearly with SI setting (but at a different rate) for SI settingsbetween 70 and 100. The rate also depends upon for each of these rangescan also vary with the CI. The pressure change that defines movement canbe determined experimentally by observing persons sleeping on themattress, statistically from the pressure changes observed at differentSI and CI levels. Of course the definition of movement for a givensystem could vary from the relationships shown in FIG. 26.

As indicated in FIG. 25, at 1450, after the control determines whether auser has moved on the mattress, the movement is recorded. One possiblecontrol logic for this is shown in FIG. 13. At 1452, the controldetermines whether a movement has in fact occurred. If a movement hasnot occurred, at 1454 the value of SilenceMinCounter, a running tally ofminutes without a defined movement, is increased. If a movement hasoccurred, then at 1456 the control determines whether the silencecounter SilenceMinCounter is greater than 4 (minutes). If not, then at1458, SilenceMinCounter is reset to zero. If SilenceMinCounter isgreater than 4, then at 1460 the MovementCounter is incremented, and at1462 the SilenceMinCounter is reset to zero. The 4 minute spacingimplemented at 1456 requires that there be a defined period ofnon-movement between movement events. Movements that are not separatedby some preselected period (in the preferred embodiment four minutes)are treated as part of the same movement, and not a separate movementevent. The period of four minutes was empirically chosen, but some otherperiod of time could be selected.

At 1464, the control determines whether the SilenceMinCounter equals 60.If so, then at 1466 the SilenceHourCounter is incremented. At 1468 thecontrol determines whether SetHourCounter is 8. If so, at 1470 the valueof NomOff is set, so that the next defined movement resets the movementcounter to a value of one.

The first or second controllers 1020A and 1020B allow the user to modifythe operation of the pump and control unit 1000. The controller buttons1038 and 1042 on controller 1020A allow the user to increase anddecrease the pressure in the single chamber of the mattress connected tothe pump and control unit 1000. The controller buttons 1038, 1040, 1042,and 1044 on controller 1020B allow the user to increase and decrease thepressure in the head and foot chambers of the mattress (which arepreferably connected), and in the lumbar chamber of the mattress.

The other buttons on the controllers 1020A and 1020B provide additionalfunctions.

Auto-Fill Button

The Auto-Fill button 1046 (like Auto-Fill buttons 114 and 213 describedabove) operates the control to cause the pump in the pump and controlunit 1000 to fill the mattress chambers to either a predeterminedfactory setting, or a previously stored user setting (using the memorybutton 1054).

Movement Recall Button

A possible control logic for the operation of the Movement Recall Button1048 is shown in FIG. 17. Upon operation of the Movement Recall button1048, at 1802 the display 1022 on the control 1020A or 1020B lights up.At 1804, for control 1020A the support index indicator 1024 beginsblinking, and it displays the current value of the MovementCounter. Thelabel “Support Index” on the displays 1022 goes dark. For control 1020B,the support index indicators 1024A and 1024C go dark. The indicator1024B begins blinking, and it displays the current value of theMovementCounter. The label “Support Index” on the display 1022 goesdark. After a predetermined period of time, such as ten seconds, forcontrol 1020A at 1808 the support index indicator 1024 stops blinkingand begins continuously displaying the current Support Index value. Thelabel “Support Index” on the display 1022 lights up. For control 1020Bat 1808 the support index indicator 1024B stops blinking and indicators1024A, 1024B, and 1024C begin continuously displaying the currentSupport Index value. The label “Support Index” on the display 1022lights up. After a predetermined period, for example 180 seconds, at1812 the controls 1020A or 1020B go to a sleep state. If during theperiod (ten seconds in the preferred embodiment) that the displays 1022of controls 1020A or 1020B are displaying the MovementCounter value, anyother button is pressed, then at 1818 the Movement Recall functionceases, and the function of the newly pressed button begins.

Comfort Index Button

A possible control logic for the operation of the Comfort Index Button1050 is shown in FIG. 18. As shown in FIG. 18A upon operation of theComfort Index Button 1050, at 1902 the display 1022 on the control 1020Aor 1020B lights up. At 1904 the control determines whether someone is onthe bed (for example as shown and described above with respect to FIG.11). At 1906, if someone is in the bed, then at 1908 the systemcalculates a new Comfort Index value, and at 1910 the control displaysthe new comfort index value on the display 1022 of the controller 1020A,1020B. A method of calculating a new Comfort Index is shown in FIG. 15,and described below. After a predetermined period, for example 180seconds, at 1914 the controls 1020A, 1020B go to a sleep state.

If at 1906 someone is not on the bed, then at 1916 the control causesthe bed to inflate to a predetermined Support Index value, for example50. At 1918 the PSecAvg value determined in the One Second Loop 1200,which is the pressure inside the bed at the predetermined Support Indexvalue is recorded as the value P1. At 1920, after the user lies on thebed, at 1922, the PSecAvg value calculated in the One Second Loop 1200,which is the pressure inside the bed when a user is lying on the bed, isrecorded as value P2. At 1924 the difference between P1 and P2 iscalculated.

Referring now to FIG. 18B, at 1926 the control calculates a recommendedSupport Index value. (This recommended Support Index is only onepossible recommended mode of operation, and other recommendations foroperation instead of or in addition to the Support Index could beprovided.). One method of making this calculation is shown in FIG. 14,and described below. At 1926 the controller displays the recommendedSupport Index value. For control 1020A, the Support Index display 1024begins blinking, showing the recommended Support Index value. Forcontrol 1020B, the Support Index displays 1024A and 1024C go dark, andthe display 1024B begins blinking with the recommended support indexnumber. At 1928, after the recommended Support Index value blinks for apredetermined time, such as ten seconds, the display 1022 of controllers1020A, 1020B return to normal. At the same time, at 1930, the controlcalculates a new Comfort Index value. For both controllers 1020A, 1020B,the Control Index display 1028 begins blinking, showing the recommendedComfort Index value. In addition, the blinking display can alternatebetween an H or an L depending upon whether the recommended ComfortIndex value is higher or lower. At 1932, after the recommended comfortindex value blinks for a predetermined time, such as ten seconds, thedisplay 1022 of either control 1020A or 1020B returns to normal. After apredetermined period, for example 180 seconds, at 1938 the controls1020A or 1020B go to a sleep state.

The method of calculating a recommended support index used in thismethod is shown in FIG. 14. As shown in FIG. 14, at 1940, the controldetermines whether the current comfort index is set to one. If it is,then at 1942 the control recommends a support index of a particularvalue, for example 45. If the comfort index is not set at one, then at1944 the control determines whether the current comfort index is set totwo. If it is, then at 1946, the control recommends a support index of aparticular value, for example 56. If the comfort index is not set attwo, then at 1948 the control determines whether the current comfortindex is set to three. If it is, then at 1950, the control recommends asupport index of a particular value, for example 70, if it is not, thenat 1952, the control recommends a support index of a particular value,for example 85.

The method of calculating a recommended comfort index used in thismethod is shown in FIG. 15. As shown in FIG. 15, at 1960 the controldetermines whether the PSecAvg is less than a threshold level forexample 36. (These pressure levels can be chosen empirically). IfPSecAvg is less than the predetermined threshold level, then at 1962 thecontrol sets the CI number as 1. If PSecAvg is not less than thepredetermined threshold level, then at 1964 the control determineswhether the PSecAvg is less than a threshold level for example 56. IfPSecAvg is less than the predetermined threshold level, then at 1966 thecontrol sets the CI number as 2. If PSecAvg is not less than thepredetermined threshold level, then at 1968 the control determineswhether the PSecAvg is less than a threshold level for example 76. IfPSecAvg is not less than the predetermined threshold level, then at 1970the control sets the CI number as 3.

PSecAvg is less than the predetermined threshold level, then at 1964 thecontrol determines whether the PSecAvg is less than a threshold levelfor example 56.

Ideal Support Index Button

A possible control logic for the operation of the Ideal Support IndexButton 1052 is shown in FIG. 19. As shown in FIG. 19A upon operation ofthe Ideal Support Index Button 1052, at 2002 the display 1022 on thecontrol 1020A or 1020B lights up. At 2004 if the user holds the IdealSupport Index Button 1052 for more than 3 seconds, then at 2006, thecontrol determines whether the Ideal Support Index mode is on. If theIdeal Support Index mode is on, then at 2008 the Ideal Support Indexmode is toggled off. At 2010 the Ideal Support Indicator on the display1022 goes dark, and at 2013 the control stops tracking the support indexnumber with each defined user movement. After a predetermined period,for example 180 seconds, at 2014 the controls 1020A or 1020B go to asleep state. Referring now to FIG. 19B, at 2016, if the user presses theMovement Recall button 1048, then at 2018 for control 1020A the supportindex indicator 1024 begins blinking, and it displays the current valueof the MovementCounter. The label “support index” on the display goesdark. For control 1020B, the support index indicators 1024A and 1024C godark. The indicator 1024B begins blinking, and it displays the currentvalue of the MovementCounter. The label “support index” on the displaygoes dark. At 2020 the control determines whether another button ispressed within a predetermined time, for example ten seconds, and if soat 2022 then at 2022 the Movement Recall function ceases, and at 2024the function for the newly pressed button begins.

If another button is not pressed within the predetermined time, then at2026 the ISI value blinks for the predetermined period. Afterward, at2028, the support index indicator 1024 (of controller 1020A) or 1024B(of controller 1020B) stops blinking, and the value changes to theprevious Support Index value, and the label “Support Index” reappears onthe display 1022. On controller 1020B the head and food support indexindicators 1024A and 1024C reappear. After a predetermined period, forexample 180 seconds, at 2030 the controllers 1020A, 1020B go to a sleepstate.

Referring again to FIG. 19A, if at 2026 the Ideal Support mode is noton, then at 2032 the Ideal Support mode is toggled on, and the controlbegins tracking the number of defined movements at the current SupportIndex value. The control uses this information about the number ofmovements at the current Support Index value to determine a suggestedIdeal Support Index value. At 2034, the Ideal Support Indicator isturned on, and at 2036 the control tracks the Movement Counter for thecurrent Support Index value. After a predetermined period, for example180 seconds, at 2040 the controllers 1020A, 1020B go to a sleep state.

If the user releases the Ideal Support Index button 1052 in less thanthree seconds, then at 2044 the control determines whether the IdealSupport Index mode is on. If the Ideal Support Index mode is on, then at2046, the Ideal Support Index indicator on display 1022 blinks, forexample three times, to show that the Ideal Support Index mode is on. Ifthe Ideal Support Index mode is not on, then at 2048 the controldetermines which Support Index value has the fewest defined movements.At 2050 the Support Index indicator on the display 1022 of controls1020A, 1020B begins blinking, and the Ideal Support Index valve isindicated. The label “Support Index” goes dark, and the Ideal SupportIndex Indicator blinks in unison with the blinking Ideal Support Indexvalue on the Support Index indicator 1024. In the Control 1020B, theSupport Index indicators 1024A and 1024C also go dark.

Referring now to FIG. 19C, if within the predetermined time, for example10 seconds, the user presses any other button on the controllers 1020A,1020B, then at 2054 the Support Index indicators on the controls 1020A,1020B resume their normal operation, with the current Support Indexvalue displayed on indicator 1024, and the “Support Index” labelreappearing on the display 1022. If the Ideal Support Index mode is on,the Ideal Support Mode Indicator stops blinking and switches tocontinuous display, and if Ideal Support Index mode is not on, the IdealSupport Mode indicator stops blinking and switches off. At 2056 thefunction of the other button begins. If the user does not press anotherbutton within the predetermined time, then at 2060 the Support Indexindicators on the controllers 1020A, 1020B resume their normaloperation, with the current Support Index value displayed on indicator1024, and the “Support Index” label reappearing on the display 1022. Ifthe Ideal Support Index mode is on, the Ideal Support mode indicatorstops blinking and switches to continuous display, and if Ideal SupportIndex mode is not on, the Ideal Support mode indicator stops blinkingand switches off. After a predetermined period, for example 180 seconds,at 2062 the controllers 1020A, 1020B go to a sleep state.

Memory Button

The Memory Button 1054 (similar to memory buttons 116 and 216) saves thecurrent user determined settings, so that pressing the Auto-Fill button1046 automatically restores the mattress to previously saved usersettings.

Light Button

The light button 1056 is similar in operation to the light button 218. Apossible control logic for the operation of the light button 1056 isshown in FIG. 16. Upon pressing the light button 1056, at 2102 thedisplay screen 1022 lights up. If the user presses the light controlbutton 1056 for more than a predetermined time, for example threeseconds, then at 2106 the control determines whether the Autolight modeis on. If the Autolight mode is on, at 2108, the Autolight mode isturned off, and at 2110 the Autolight Indicator on the display 1022 ofthe control 1020A or 1020B goes dark. After a predetermined period, forexample 180 seconds, at 2114 the controllers 1020A, 1020B go to a sleepstate. If the Autolight mode is not on then at 2116, the control turnson the Autolight mode (during which the control automatically turns onthe light when a user gets out of the bed). At 2118 the Autolightindicator is turned on, signaling to the user that the Autolight mode ison. After a predetermined period, for example 180 seconds, at 2122 thecontrollers 1020A, 1020B go to a sleep state.

Referring to FIG. 16B, the operation in the Autolight mode is shown. Atthe 2124, the control identifies when a user gets out of bed, forexample using the method described about with respect to FIG. 11, and at2126 turns on the light 1018 on the pump housing 1004. After apredetermined period, for example 180 seconds, at 2030 the controllers1020A, 1020B go to a sleep state. Thereafter, at 2132 if the controldetermines that someone gets into bed, at 2134, after the passage of apredetermined amount of time, for example ten minutes, or at 2136 if thecontrol determines that the user presses the light button 1056 again,and releases it in less than a predetermined time, for example threeseconds, then at 2138, the control turns the light 1018 on the pumphousing 1004 off.

Referring again to FIG. 16A if the user releases the light button inless than a predetermined time, for example three seconds, that at 2140,the control determines whether the light is on. If the light 1018 is on,then at 2142, the control turns the light 1018 off. After apredetermined period, for example 180 seconds, at 2146 the controls1020A or 1020B go to a sleep state. If the light 1018 is not on, then at2148 the control turns the light 1018 on. After a predetermined period,for example 180 seconds, at 2152 the controllers 1020A, 1020B go to asleep state. Thereafter, at 2150 after the passage of a predeterminedamount of time, for example ten minutes, or at 2152 if the controldetermines that the user presses the light button 1056 again, andreleases it in less than a predetermined time, for example threeseconds, then at 2154, the control turns the light 1018 on the pumphousing 1004 off.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided forpurposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or featuresof a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particularembodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be usedin a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described.The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to beregarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modificationsare intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A control for a fluid-filled mattress and anassociated light, the control activating the associated light inresponse to a reduction in the internal pressure of the fluid-filledmattress corresponding to a person getting off the fluid-filledmattress.
 2. The control according to claim 1 wherein the controlactivates the associated light in response to a predetermined decreasein internal pressure for a predetermined time.
 3. The control accordingto claim 1 wherein the control deactivates the associated light after apredetermined period of time.
 4. The control according to claim 1wherein the control deactivates the associated light in response to anincrease in pressure corresponding to a person getting on thefluid-filled mattress.
 5. The control according to claim 4 wherein thecontrol deactivates the associated light in response to a predeterminedincrease in internal pressure for a predetermined time. 6.-29.(canceled)
 30. A control for a fluid-filled mattress, the controlcomprising a clock, a pressure sensor for determining when the userenters or exits the fluid-filled mattress by measuring changes inpressure of the fluid-filled mattress, and a memory for storing when theuser enters and exists the fluid-filled matters.
 31. The controlaccording to claim 30 further comprising a display, the controldisplaying on the display an indication of the amount of time the usersleeps over a predetermined period of time.
 32. A control for afluid-filled mattress, the control comprising a clock, a sound sensorfor measuring snoring, and a memory for storing when the user starts andstops snoring.
 33. The control according to claim 32 further comprisinga display, the control displaying on the display an indication of theamount of time the user snores over a predetermined period of time. 34.The control according to claim 32 that changes the pressure in thefluid-filled mattress sufficient to change the body position of the userin response to the detection of snoring. 35.-40. (canceled)
 41. Acontrol for a fluid-filled mattress, the control including controls foradjusting the internal pressure of the fluid filled mattress, a pressuresensor for determining when the user enters or exits the fluid-filledmattress by measuring changes in pressure of the fluid-filled mattress,and a memory for storing when the user enters and exists thefluid-filled matters and a processor for determining a recommendinternal pressure based upon an estimate of the quality of the user'ssleep determined from the measured enter and exit times at differentinternal pressures.
 42. A control for a fluid-filled mattress, thecontrol including controls for adjusting the internal pressure of thefluid filled mattress, a pressure sensor for determining user movementson the fluid-filled mattress by measuring changes in pressure of thefluid-filled mattress, and a processor for determining a recommendinternal pressure based upon an estimate of the quality of the user'ssleep determined from the measured user movements on the fluid-filledmattress. 43.-45. (canceled)